Flow integrating and recording instrument.



G. H. GEBSON. now INTEGRATING AND REcoRDlNG msRuMENT.

APPLICTION FILED JN.2|. 15H4 1,290,170. Patented Jun. 7,1919. I

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/NVENTOR W/TNESSES ai 55m-g wf/mA BY *afb/5j MR J ATTORNEY G. H. mason, FLOW INTEGRATING AND RECORDING INSTRUMENT. APPLlCATlON FILED JAN-2l. |914y 1,290,170. Patented Jan. 7,1919.

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ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT oEEIcE.

GEORGE H. GIBSON, OF MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.

FLOW INTEGRATING AND RECORDING INSTRUMENT.

Specification of Letters Patent.-

Iatented J an. 7, 1919` Application filed January 21, 1914. Serial No. 813,379.

for integrating and obtaining a record of the flow of a liquid over a weir, when actuated by a float or other actuating device responsive to the varying accumulation of the liquid on the supply side of the weir.

yIn general, the flow of liquid'over a weir, while a function of, does not vary in linear proportion with the varyin g height of liquid level on the supply side'of the weir. With weir measuring apparatus it is generally necessary, therefore, in order to obtain a record which may be readily computed by the use of an ordinary planimeter and which can be integrated, to employ a cam for trans lating the movements of the float or like device into movements of the recording point, and of the adjustable element of the integrating mechanism which are in linear proportion with the changes in the rate of flow over the weir.

The primary object of my present invention is to provide an accurate instrument for the purpose specified, characterized by its simplicity, reliability, and the small frictional resistance to the necessary movements of the parts. A further object of the invention is to provide an instrument in which one motion translating cam may be replaced by another to change the constant of the instrument as required to permit the instrument to `be used under different yoperating conditions.

The various features of novelty whichV Of the drawings:

Figure l is front elevation of the instrument with the cover removed;

Fig. 2 is an elevation taken at right angles to Fig. l, with the base of `the instrumen case in section;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the use of my improved instrument in connec-V tion with weir measuring apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a view of a record sheet on which a record has been traced by the instrument;

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the integrating mechanism; and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion -of the mechanism.

In the drawings, A represents the vertical back wall or base of the instrument casing. B represents a drum carrying a record sheet or card l), and supported .and continuously rotated by a clock mechanism B which is secured to the casing wall A and is partially surrounded by the drum. Beneath the drum B is located a disk C, which is rotated about its horizontal axis at a uniform speed by the clock mechanism C secured to the casing wall A. Cooperating with the recording drum B and the disk C is an oscillating element, or lever, comprising an arm D carried by a horizontal rock shaft D. The rock shaft D is 'formed with conical sockets in its ends, and is journaled by means of conical bearing pins E, E entering these sockets and adjustably mounted in a yoke shaped bracket A secured to the base wall A.

A pen F, adapted to trace a record on the record sheet carried by the drum B, i5 adustably clamped to `the upper end of the arm D as by means of the clamping screw F. An integrating mechanism comprising a casing H which incloses a train of counting wheels, and supports the actuating wheel H thereof, is pivotally connected to the arm D to turn with respect to vthe latter about a horizontal axis passing through the point of contact of the wheel H with the face of the disk C against which the wheel H bears at all times. Means are provided for maintaining the wheel H in parallelism with itself as the arm D` swings about the axis of the rock shaft D. The means by which the casing H is connected to the arm D, and the wheel H is automatically kept in parallelism with itself comprises a yoke-like member G which Straddles the arm D and supports a pair of opposed horizontal pivot pins ,ci which enter sockets formed the arm D.

The yoke member G is provided with an uprising arm G, bifurcated at its free end, and having pivot pins .G2 mounted in the bifurcations. These pins form the pivotal support for the upper end of an arm H2 by which the casing H is suspended. An arm G3 is Secured to, and depending from the yoke G has a horizontal threaded lower end portion on which is adjustably mounted a weight G1. The axis of the pivot pins g, g passes through the point of contact between the wheel H and the face of the disk C, and the arm G3 and weight G4 unite to form a pendulum holding the wheel H parallel to itself as the arm D swings back and forth about the aXis of the pivot pins E.

The arm J is bifurcated at its lower end, and in the bifurcations are secured pivot pins K on which is journaled la Wheel or anti-friction roll L, which bears against the cam edge 7n of the motion translating cam M. A weight I adjustably secured to the lower end of the arm I carried by the shaft D hold-s the roll Ii against the cam M at all times. The shaft D and arm D are oscillated about their axis by means of the vertically movable motion translating cam bar M. The latter operates on the shaft D through the arm J secured at its upper end to the shaft. The upper portion of the cam bar M has parallel side edges passing between, and engaged Iby a pair of guide rolls N mounted on pivot pins n mounted in a bracket A2 secured to the casing wall A. A second guide roll N is journaled on pivot pins n carried by a bracket A3 secured to the easing wall A. The rolls L and N are at approximately the same level and the thrust of the roll L is transmitted directly through the cam bar M to the roll N. The cam M is given its vertical movements by ya rod O, which, as shown in Fig. 3, is the stem of a float Q supported by the liquid on the supply side of the weir plate P located in the weir tank P. As shown, the stem O of the float Q passes through a stuiing box P3 in the top wall of the tank I), and projects into the instrument case, where it is connected to the cam M. Advantageously, the connection between the rod O and cam M is such to not only permit of their ready separation but also to permit of a slight adjustment of the one part relative to the other if the rod and cam are out of alinement as the apparatus is actu-ally installed and used. The connection between the rod O and cam bar M illustrated, comprises a collar 0 adjustably secured to the portion of the stem O projecting into the casing of the instrument. The collar O is formed with a spherical upper surface which enters a spherical cavity M2 formed in the Vlower end of the member M, or rather, as shown, in a collar M2 interposed between the collar O and the lower end of the member M. The ymember M is recessed at its lower end to loosely receive the upper end of the stem O. lVith the arrangement described the stem O may be drawn out from under the cam M and the latter may then be removed from the instrument for inspection or replacement. In case the bar lli and stem O are not maintained in perfect alinement, the universal joint connection between these parts provided will prevent cramping.

I so form the contour of the cam edge m of the cam bar M, that the pen F and the point of contact between the wheel H and disk C will be moved equal horizontal distances for equal increments of flow. In consequence, the rate of flow at any instant will be represented by the perpendicular distance between the base line Z2@ of the record sheet (see Fig. 4) and the 1#articular point on the curve traced by the pen F at which the pen engages the record at said instant. The total volume of flow occurring in any period of time beginning with the instant at which the are of possible movement ofthe point of the pen F relative to the record sheet is the arc'bo, and ending at the instant at which the arc Z225 is the are of possible movement of the pen point over the record sheet, can be computed by running a planimeter along the outline of the ligure bounded by the lines Z9 and bt". Advantageously, the record sheet is ruled with lines parallel to the lines bt? and b, as shown. Theoretically, for absolute accurate results, the record surface over which the pen travels should be a plane surface. It is usually preferable from a practical standpoint, however, to employ a cylindrical record surface, as shown; and in an instrument of the character shown, the errors duc to the use of a cylindrical surface in place of a plane surface are too insignificant to have any practical bearing. IV ith the arrangement described the sweep of the pen F over therecord sheet may be made several times as great as the corresponding' horizontal movement of the roll Ii. This makes it possible to obtain a record chart of conveniently great height without having the rise of the cam edge m great enough to make the cam self-locking, or to be otherwise objectionable.-

The wheel H engages the disk C along an arc c as shown in Fig. 5, in which, however, the departure of this arc from the horizontal line c-c3 is relatively greater than would be had in practice with the instrument shown in Figs. l and 2. Inasmuch as the horizontal displacement of the point of contact between the disk C and the wheel H of the integrating mechanism is in linear proportion to the rate of flow, it follows that the movement imparted to the wheel H by the disk C, when any point c2 (see Fig. 5) is the point of contact between the wheel and disk, should be the same as would be IOS imparted to the wheel if the latter were in contact with the disk C at the point c3 at which a vertical line through the point c2 intersects the horizontal line passing through the axis of the disk C. The velocity of the point c2 about the center c may be represented by the line 02W# equal in length to the line c-c2, and perpendicular to the latter, and the velocity of the point c3 will then be represented by a line equal in length to, and perpendicular to the line c-c3. The vertical component, 02h05 of the line (z2-c* is obviously perpendicular to and equal in length to the line c--c3. The rotation imparted to the wheel H', when in contact with the disk C at the point c2, will thus be the same as would be imparted to the wheel if in contact with the disk at the point c3, since only the vertical component of the velocity of the disk C at the point of contact-the component parallel to the plane of the wheel H-is effective in imparting rotating movements to the latter. Inasmuch as the point of contact between the disk C and Wheel H is in the line'of the axis of the pivotal connection between the member G and arm D, the reaction between the wheel H and disk C, as the wheel is moved across the face of the disk, does not tend to rotatethe wheel H about the said axis.

With instruments of the type referred to it is frequently desirable to use a single instrument, or instruments of one size and style, under quite different conditions. For instance, the range of movement of the actuating iioat Q in one installation may be twice that of the actuating float in another installation where it is desirable to use the same, or a similar integrating and recording instrument. It is desirable, of course, to have the maximum travel of the pen F correspond to the maximum range of movement of the cam bar M in each installation. This result may readily be had with the instrument described by the use of interchangeable cam bars M, using the particular cam bar in each installation which will.a give the full range of travel to the point F for the maximum movement of the actuating float and cam bar. In general, the substitution of one cam bar for another of dierent shape, necessitates the use of a different constant in computing the ow from the record traced by the pen F, and necessitates the use of a diiferent factor in each case by which the indications of the dials H3 of the integrating mechanism must be multiplied in order to obtain integration results in the same quantity units.

As shown, the arms D, I and J are detachably secured to the shaft D by corresponding set screws D5, I5 and J5, so that each of these arms may be angularly adjusted about the shaft D relative to the other as may be required in Calibrating the instrument and in insuring the proper pressure between the roll L and cam M throughout the range of relative movement of the parts L and M. This pressure may also be adjusted to some extent by running the weight I up and down on the arm I. In calibrating the instrument, when a proper cam bar M has been inserted, it is only necessary to adjust the collar O to bring the zero line of the cam bar into the same horizontal plane with the axis of the wheel L in the no flow position of the oat Q and rod O, and to see that the arms J and D are so adjusted relatively to one another that the pen F will engage the record sheet along the proper base line when the wheel L is in the no fiow position. When the portion of the cam bar immediately above the Zero line has parallel edges, the adjustment of the arms F and L may be quickly tested at any time regardless of the rate of flow over the weir by simply depressing the bar M far enough so that the Zero line is at or below the level of the axis of the roll L.

It will be understood, of course, that the usual provisions may be made for adjusting and locking in place the various pivotal bearing pins employed; and while I illustrate such means, it seems unnecessary to refer to them in detail. It is apparent, however, that the type of bearings which the character of my instrument permits me to use, makes it possible to reduce lost motion in the pivotal connections to a minimum, while at the same time keeping the frictional resistance to the movements of the parts desirably small.

The use of a reciprocating cam directly connected to, and rising and falling with the actuating float not only avoids all lost motion between the cam and float and simpliies the instrument as a whole, but has certain special advantages in so far as the formation of the cam is concerned. With a cam of this character, it is very easy to lay out the cam in accordance with the proper theoretical law, and to dress the cam edge as corrections may be found desirable after the cam has been installed in an instrument and tested. Furthermore, the duplication of cams of this type is exceedingly simple from a mechanical standpoint after an initial cam having the proper contour has once been made. The character of the cam employed in my instrument is especially desirable when the instrument is used in measuring water passing over V- notched Weirs, since in a practical installation of this kind the cam is of convenient dimensions for its laying out and construction.

While in accordance with the provisions of the statutes, I have illustrated and described the best form of my invention now known to me, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made in the form of apparatus disclosed Without departing from the spirit of my invention,-

and that under some conditions certain features of my invention may be used Without a corresponding use of other features.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. In an instrument of the kind described, the combination of a stationary support provided with cam guides, a cam mounted therein and movable with respect thereto along a vertical line but held by said guides against rotative movement, an actuating float connected to said cam, a member mounted to oscillate about a horizontal axis and in constant and direct engagement with the cam and oscillated thereby as the cam is moved by the iioat, and flow exhibiting means actuated by said member.

2. In an instrument of the kind described, the combination of a stationary support provided with cam guides, a cam mounted therein and movable with respect thereto along a vertical line but held by said guides against rotative movement, an actuating iloat stem connected to said cam by a universal joint and an element mounted to oscillate and in constant and direct engagement with the cam and oscillated thereby as the cam is moved 4by the float, and flow exhibiting means actuated by said member.

3. In an instrument of the kind described, the combination of a constantly rotating disk, a member mounted to oscillate about an axis parallel to said disk, and an integrating element comprising a counting train and an actuating wheel engaging said disk, said element being pivotally connected to said member to turn with respect thereto about an axis parallel to the first mentioned axis and intersecting the point of contact between said wheel and disk, said instrument including provisions for maintaining said wheel in parallelism with itself as said member oscillates.

4. In an instrument of the kind described, the combination of a disk constantly rotating about a` horizontal axis, a member mounted t0 oscillate about an aXis parallel to the axis of said disk, and an integrating element comprising a counting train and an actuating wheel engaging said disk, said clement being pivotally connected to said member to turn with respect thereto about an axis parallel to the first mentioned axis and intersecting the point of contact between said wheel and disk and having its center of gravity below the axis of its pivotal connection to said member whereby said Wheel is maintained in parallelism with itself as said member oscillates.

In an instrument of the kind described, the combination of means for giving motion to a record surface, a constantly rotating disk, a member mounted to oscillate about an axis parallel to the axis of said disk, a marking device carried by said member, an

integrating element comprising a counting.

train and an actuating wheel engaging said disk, said element being pivotally connected to said member to turn with respect thereto about an axis parallel to the lirst mentioned axes and intersecting the point of contact between said wheel and disk, and means ior oscillating said element, said instrument including provisions for maintaining said wheel 1n parallelism with itself as said member oscillates.

6. In an instrument of the kind described, the combination of means for giving motion to a record surface, a disk constantly rotating about a horizontal axis, a member mounted to oscillate about an axis parallel to the axis of said disk, a marking device carried by said member, an integrating element comprising a counting train and an actuating wheel engaging said disk, said element being pivotally 'connected to said member to turn with respect thereto about an axis parallel to the first mentioned axes and intersecting the point of contact be- .tween said wheel and disk and having its center' of gravity below the axis of its pivotal connection to said member whereby said wheel is maintained in parallelism as said member oscillates, and means for oscillating said member.

GEORGE H. GIBSON. Witnesses:

NORMAN K. COUDERMAN, ROBERT G. CLIFTON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Gommissoner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. i 

